Sophia Diegelmann
"Public Policy has been especially influential, equipping me with tools and perspectives I now apply in my role as a political staffer."
Sophia Diegelmann is a third-year student at the Australian National University, where she is completing a Bachelor of Political Science and a Bachelor of Languages. Originally from Melbourne, she moved to Canberra in 2023 to begin her studies and to immerse herself in the political and cultural life of the capital.
Sophia majors in German Language and Culture and minors in French Language and Culture. She was drawn to ANU not only for its academic reputation but also for the unique opportunity to study politics in the heart of the nation’s decision-making. One of the most rewarding aspects of her double degree has been discovering how interconnected her two disciplines are—how language, identity, and communication shape political outcomes.
Sophia lived on campus during her first years of study and served as the Women’s* Representative at Bruce Hall, where she supported student wellbeing and helped build an inclusive residential community. Alongside this, she was previously a General Representative for the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences Society.
Among her academic highlights so far, GERM3114: Film after the Fall of the Wall has stood out as her favourite course. Exploring post-reunification identity through cinema offered a rich cultural and historical lens, while deepening her language skills. On the political science side, she says, “Public Policy has been especially influential, equipping me with tools and perspectives I now apply in my role as a political staffer.”
Sophia is also preparing to undertake a semester abroad in Berlin in June 2025, where she will study at a partner university and immerse herself in the language and politics of contemporary Germany. She looks forward to bringing those experiences back to ANU and into her future career.
Outside of study and work, Sophia enjoys writing poetry and baking, both of which provide a creative outlet and a way to unwind. Her favourite spot on campus is The Lab café, where she can always count on a good coffee and a quiet moment.
Her advice for future students? “Find balance. Don’t feel the need to do everything your peers are doing—everyone’s university experience is different, and that’s okay.”
After graduating, Sophia hopes to continue working in politics.
